"In the Beginning..." marks a standout moment in Superfan's run, spotlighting the arrival of the Smoggers' latest recruit: an egotistical placekicker whose confidence outpaces his skills. Written by Nick Meglin and brought to life with bold, dynamic art by Jack Davis—both inks and pencils—this 1972 issue sees Superfan trading his superhero exploits for a milk bar, only to find fame comes with a side of trouble, courtesy of the Commissioner. The cover, also by Jack Davis, captures the moment with sharp, exaggerated flair.
Contains 21 stories
In the Beginning...
11 pp · Satire-Parody, Sports
Superfan [Y.A. Schmickle]Alex ZorchCoachSwiss O. Banks
The Sweet Smell of Success
8 pp · Satire-Parody, Sports
Superfan [Y.A. Schmickle]Coach
Bar None
9 pp · Satire-Parody, Sports
Superfan [Y.A. Schmickle]CoachSwiss O. BanksJacques StroppePete HardsellJoe Namath
Superfan [Y.A. Schmickle] turns his spotlight into a milk bar, but his new venture hits the rocks when the Commissioner takes a hard line—especially after the Smoggers recruit an egotistical placekicker. With Swiss O. Banks, Jacques Stroppe, and Pete Hardsell watching from the sidelines, and Joe Namath’s name still echoing through the locker room, the bar’s fate hangs on a single, questionable decision.
It's Not the Principle, it's the Money
3 pp · Satire-Parody, Sports
Superfan [Y.A. Schmickle]Alex ZorchCoachSwiss O. BanksPete Hardsell
Caught in the Reign
6 pp · Satire-Parody, Sports
Superfan [Y.A. Schmickle]Alex ZorchPete Hardsell
Flying United
7 pp · Satire-Parody, Sports
Superfan [Y.A. Schmickle]CoachJacques Stroppe
Infant Replay
5 pp · Satire-Parody, Sports
Superfan [Y.A. Schmickle]Alex ZorchCoachSwiss O. Banks
The Draft Bored
8 pp · Satire-Parody, Sports
Superfan [Y.A. Schmickle]Alex ZorchCoachSwiss O. BanksJacques StroppePete Hardsell
Summer Cum Laude
9 pp · Satire-Parody, Sports
Superfan [Y.A. Schmickle]CoachSwiss O. Banks
The Unkindest Cut of All
3 pp · Satire-Parody, Sports
Superfan [Y.A. Schmickle]Alex ZorchCoachSwiss O. BanksJoe NamathTucker FredericksonGale Sayers
Morning Becomes Electrifying
11 pp · Satire-Parody, Sports
Superfan [Y.A. Schmickle]Alex ZorchCoachSwiss O. Banks
We're Number Two, But We Don't Try Harder
9 pp · Satire-Parody, Sports
Superfan [Y.A. Schmickle]CoachSwiss O. BanksJacques StroppeHithard Cursewell
Flag Day
9 pp · Satire-Parody, Sports
Superfan [Y.A. Schmickle]Schlep YardsleyVile Joe BileHithard Cursewell
When the Trade Winds Blow
9 pp · Satire-Parody, Sports
Superfan [Y.A. Schmickle]Alex ZorchCoachSwiss O. BanksJacques Stroppe
Little Big Ham
9 pp · Satire-Parody, Sports
Superfan [Y.A. Schmickle]Alex ZorchCoachSwiss O. BanksJoe NamathJim BrownPeter FondaDave Mishagos
High Society
9 pp · Satire-Parody, Sports
Superfan [Y.A. Schmickle]CoachSwiss O. BanksDave MishagosJoe Namath
Home Delivery
9 pp · Satire-Parody, Sports
Superfan [Y.A. Schmickle]CoachHithard Cursewell
Kicking Below the Belt
9 pp · Satire-Parody, Sports
Superfan [Y.A. Schmickle]CoachJacques StroppeHithard Cursewell
Time Out For the Commercial Ventures
9 pp · Satire-Parody, Sports
CoachFrank GiftedDon MerryfaceHithard Cursewell
And so It Came to Pass - - Not to Mention Catch and Run
9 pp · Satire-Parody, Sports
CoachFrank GiftedDon MerryfaceHithard Cursewell
A Moan for All Seasons
9 pp · Satire-Parody, Sports
Superfan [Y.A. Schmickle]CoachSwiss O. BanksAllen George
